JANN, I guess I am fickle, I will be semi new to Embroidery, I have done it but it was some time ago. Will this group be kind of like our Wooly Booger Group?Right now we are just doing Quilt alongs, but hopefully we can advance to swaps someday.

If this group is like that, can't we do it all? Just inquiring. I love it all. If not here are my answers,quilt along- yesBlock swap- yesEmbroider only - no ,but if it was also with a pieced project then yes.. Applique and embroidery - yes. Type of project- all of them

This is a timely topic for me, since I have a machine embroidery project in the works. SO this would be great for me if...

quilt along - yesblock swap - probably not unless we are paired with one other person not a groupembroidery only - yesapplique & embroidery - yes group purchase pattern - no, I've got plenty project type - quilt related not clothing, etc. but anything where the embroidery is patch/es in the finished piece

Wow, lots of options! I'm in a group that swaps machine embroidery blocks. Depending on the number of swappers that sign up, we do 3-5 for each member. We always use Kona cotton since that can be found everywhere. Sometimes we use one color like Bone and sometimes we do a variety. I chose butter yellow the last time we did baby themed blocks. I was just looking in my stash yesterday and found a bunch of Easter blocks ready to sew together. I may make some tablerunners for gifts from them. We like to chose a theme, holiday or spring or baby. I had two sets of Halloween themed blocks and finally got them together this year. Right now I have the spring block wallhanging hanging in my den (wishing for spring). It has 25 blocks and I love the variety. Here's a small portion of the wallhanging.

Here's one of the Halloween wallhangings I made from embroidered swap blocks. We each chose a color of Kona and made 3 different designs for each person. So easy once you make the decision on the design. It's amazing the variety we get plus it gives you ideas of designs to buy that stitch out beautifully. Some designers are awesome and some are worthless.

Beautiful Evelyn!! I just love that Halloween one, but I am attracted to brights! But I love the postcards as well. where are those designs from? And I agree, some designers are wonderful and there are some out there, just stay away from. The ones I really watch are on Etsy. I have had problems with some of those designers, not all.

Jann:

quilt along- yesBlock swap- yesEmbroider only - yes, but do enjoy combining with quilting/piecing Applique and embroidery - yes Type of project - anything but clothing. Not a fan of making clothing at all. I do enjoy in-the-hoop projects quite a bit!

I love and prefer block swaps so I can do my own sampler. I tend to get behind on quilt alongs. Applique is okay but I have gotten some that fell apart when washed. Either the designer or the swapper didn't get the fabrics stitched down well. This is going to be fun!

We should do small blocks 6" squares or 8" max because some people have only 4" machines. Stitch outs take less time too.

I've been almost absent on QATW for the last 6 weeks due to family "traumas"...sigh, but things are improving and I hope I will be able to participate with the Machine Embroidery Group...whatever it is.

Jann, before I answer your questions, I would like to make three comments:

1) It seems like there are quite a few "newbies" to machine embroidery that may not be ready for a swap right away. Maybe 2 to 3 months of "quilt-alongs" first - just to get everyone comfortable first would be a good idea.

2) Personally, I'm not wild about machine embroidered blocks with heavy stitch density for quilt blocks. (Plus, high stitch density may be overwhelming for new machine-embroiderers.) If we have a block swap, I would suggest a limit be set on the stitches per design...something like 1 to 2,000 (max 3,000?)...to keep the designs "light" weight and reasonably quick and easy for newbies.

3) I agree with Evelyn on the 6" (max 8") block size and establishing a common Kona background fabric.

Now my responses:

quilt along - yes (if it starts after April 1 and first 1-3 months) (This could still be working on the blocks planned for the block swap for later.)

block swap - yes (only if after April 1) - keeping the volume down on a 1st swap

Embroidery only - If this is referring to the blocks specifically, yes (but not excluding applique in the embroidery hoop - next question) (I'm assuming we each can use our creativity to combine these blocks with pieced blocks, piecing, etc. to make our individual projects.)

Applique and Embroidery - I assume this is applique in the embroidery hoop, if so, my answer is yes.

Type of Project - For a First Project, lets keep it small. (I agree, quilt related only.) Even swapping 1 block per person would give plenty of blocks for a table topper, small lap quilt, wall-hanging, etc. (I like Evelyn's idea of a theme...maybe spring flowers for this one?)

Well I have been eyeing this quilt along. I want to join to learn more about my machine and how to embroider. I don't use it much because it has gotten intimidating and cumbersome to get set up and do anything with. My space is really limited. I would really like to use it more and learn what I am doing. I have spent many $$ on supplies etc.

Swaps I am not interesting in at this time. I am not interested in appliques but have to say I did a fabric embroidery applique on a onsies. and it was kind of fun. The onsie was a bear to get in the hoop but I did it.

2) Personally, I'm not wild about machine embroidered blocks with heavy stitch density for quilt blocks. (Plus, high stitch density may be overwhelming for new machine-embroiderers.) If we have a block swap, I would suggest a limit be set on the stitches per design...something like 1 to 2,000 (max 3,000?)...to keep the designs "light" weight and reasonably quick and easy for newbies.

3) I agree with Evelyn on the 6" (max 8") block size and establishing a common Kona background fabric.

Totally agree on stitch count. If going into a quilt, lightweight designs are best. I do leave my fabric larger than needed for the block and after I stitch out my design, then I go and cut my block to correct size needed for quilt. If you embroider on a set block size, your block will most likely NOT be the correct size when you are done embroidering just due to pull compensation.

Good points, ladies. High thread count designs sometimes look horrible after being washed and dried. Also I've had some that stitch for 45 minutes and then burp and I have to start over. Very, VERY frustrating!Evelyn

I have a brand new e. machine I bought last year and have never set up. So I am a complete newbie. But I spent all that money on the thing I need to learn how to use it. If there will be something for Embroidery For Dummies count me in.

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